After nearly 8 years, our journey at Get Smart Kids Academy ends today as our youngest child graduates from VPK. Our children started as young as 3 months. We are immensely grateful and forever indebted to this school, the teachers, and the administers. They have collectively help raise and shape our children's trajectory. Throughout their journey, our children have had consistently the same teachers and an abundance of love and patience. Their curriculum is rigorous, but age-appropriate. Our children graduated knowing basic math principles and reading short sentences. GSKA provides lunch, an exciting summer camp program, and fun activities throughout the year. They make an effort to constantly have events and create memories for their students. There are so many teachers that I could not name them all, but know that you all have a special place in our hearts. A special thank you to: Ms. Paola, Ms. Exilia, Ms. Tati, and both Ms. Midi. And to the administrators, Ms. Fernanda and Ms. Ani. We are also grateful for Ms. Maggie, the owner, who manages GSKA with love. She has provided affordable child care in an area that does not have many options. She loves her business and it is evident in how she has evolved to make her school every year a little better than the year before. If you are looking for a pre-school, look no further, GSKA is the best option in the area. Without any hesitation, we recommend GSKA. Thank you for 8 amazing years! read more

My baby really didn't like daycare when he first started. He would start crying from the second we stopped the car in front of the daycare. However the teachers at the school were always so sweet and comforting with him that he loves going there now. They foster a loving environment and give so much attention to every child. Fernanda, who is one of the owners there is always happy to answer any questions and support in any way possible. We always feel super supportive and our child is so loved and cared for. We couldn't be happier. read more

This daycare has a lot to fix they need to be more professional and higher qualified teachers that can handle children that are suddenly having issues. Being a teacher is to teach and help the child as to help the child channel their negative behavior to a positive one .If they do not have those qualifications they should be terminated. This report will be sent to the board of Ed as to investigate teachers skills these are the most important years and correct issues with positive teaching skills . read more

My son recently graduated from pre k after attending GSKA from the age of 19 months. Since the start, the entire staff was warm, friendly and loving. I absolutely love all of them! They allowed my son to grow at his own pace while providing the right tools for him to learn. They also handled the pandemic very well making me comfortable knowing my son was safe and the staff genuinely cares about the kids well being! We will truly miss GSKA! read more

I have had my 3 yo here since 6 months old and my 15 month old since 3 months. They are constantly told how smart and well-mannered they are, and I give full credit to Get Smart! The staff in NM are amazing and treat my kids like their own. They love school and get mad if we are late lol. Maggie and Fernanda are approachable and advocate for your kid's health and well-being. The food is excellent and the curriculum is as well. I wholeheartedly recommend this daycare. read more

My daughter started at Get Smart Kids Academy last May, and I can't be happier for choosing this center. My daughter loves her school, her teachers and all the staff. I was so afraid how she was going to take a new school after being in 3 different ones in 5 months for moving and accommodation issues, but after a week she told me "mami my teacher loves me and she hugs me", my heart melted and I was happy knowing I found an amazing place. The school is clean, staff is so friendly, lovely and professional, they all know all the kids by their name, every day they receive the kids with great affection, they keep you always updated with pictures of the activities the kids are doing in class. I could not fail to mention the rapid progress that my daughter has shown to achieve. They are always having so many different activities in class and also to take home. I am a very picky mom about food, and this is the first school I can't complain about their menu, which they send you every start of the month. I highly recommend this school and always that moms ask for recommendations I highlight GSKA read more

Get Smart Kids Academy - My daughter in a show and tell! She had to bring few of her fav stuff from home! - Preschools Near Me - North Miami, Florida

My daughter went here for a year. We loved the staff very much. They were understanding and showed much love to my sweet girl. I would highly recommend this preschool. I wish we were still able to attend, as I no longer work in the area. read more

And this was my reply to the owners of this business- in all fairness, with minor edits and spell-checked. "This review has been my retelling of my experiences with Get Smart Kids Academy. I was factual in the statement that they didn't ask for my ID, before allowing my child to be picked up. I said that it turned out ok in my situation (because it was me attempting to pick up my child). But as far as I know, it wasn't until I complained of their practices did they even ask for a copy of my photo identification- a requirement of the state. I updated my review as they requested to clearly identify that this is only a representation of my opinions/ experiences. But, that being said, I still feel that they endanger children based on my experiences. I am free to express my opinions of the services which they provide, and review your practices as my opinions which are being expressed. There are other facts which I should have also shared, and will do so now. When I went on a tour of their facilities, there was a staff member (which I observed) pouring chemicals from a large bottle, into a small bottle near the surface which food was being prepared. I feel that this could lead to cross food/ chemical contamination. Also, I have photo copies of the sign-in /sign-out logs which show that my child was left at school (and also picked up) without being signed-in,/-out appropriately and later those records were altered to be complete. If this school can't be trusted to keep up their records accordingly- then what other issues do they have going for them, which are less obvious? As any parent, I have the utmost concern about my son's well-being, and I can say with as much certainty as possible of any parent, that I would NEVER chose to endanger my son by placing him at Get Smart Kids Academy voluntarily. And I feel that if I were considering this school (by choice) I would want to know another parent's experiences- if they were similar to mine. But, I would never choose Get Smart Kids Adademy. I feel that prospective parents should make their own, informed, decisions on what is best for their children. If you choose to take me to court over my opinions, you are welcome to do so. Just as I am free to express my own opinions of your practices. It's a free country- and I'm proud to have defended my country (and both your right and my right to free speech) as a veteran. Take my opinion and my re-telling of my experiences for what they are- those of a concerned parent, who has received what I feel is unbelievably horrid service (in my opinion) and use them to make your own, informed, decision on where you ought to place your child." read more

When the time came that I had to start looking for day care for my son Get Smart came highly recommended. He began with summer camp and the transition was very smooth for both of us. All his teachers have been great and I can see how much he is learning. I just received the summer program for this year and I can't wait for him to start and enjoy it. I'm sure he will. Looking forward for him bringing his projects home. I feel also they take very seriously the safety and well being of all the children. Any time my parents have to go to pick my son up they get asked for an id. If my son has felt sick they have notified me immediately. My son adores his teachers and loves to go to school every day. I loved the Mother's Day activity at the school. I have a six month old daughter that as soon as she turns two she will also go to Get Smart, no doubt about it! I highly recommend them. read more

Great school!!! My son has been going to this preschool since October and couldn't be happier. They are so caring and kind. My son is a handful and they are so patient with him and he loves his teachers, Ms. Tati and Mrs. Marivel. If you live in the area and are looking for a preschool this is definitely the best!! read more

I have to agree with the previous poster about this place. We are so happy our child is out of that horrendous school. It is so easy to get swindled by colorful ads and cutesy promos and logos but I guarantee you that this place is far from what they advertise it to be. I am an experienced and involved parent so when I moved to south Florida, and specifically Miami, I found almost near impossible to get quality childcare for my children. I have to say Brickell has pretty decent places but the distance was brutal. Miami has a true problem when it comes to quality childcare. Unfortunately, we fell on this school due to the need of a child care close to my place of employment in Midtown Miami. THANK goodness it wasn't a long time but the time spent taught us about RESEARCH and how deceiving a place of this nature can be. Starting with the many teachers that can't speak a word of English with attitude, poor listening skills and zero understanding of childcare I can say that the director is to blame. I can make myself pretty clear in Spanish but it's not my first language, however, once I took the time to observe the operations of this place, I started noticing the root of the problems there. I started to interview some of the teachers and soon realized how poorly these ladies were treated in the salary department. They are expected to work with kids from all walks of life getting paid the minimum while working extenuating hours is not an easy task. Many of them complained about this constantly; it was unbelievable. Many of them were still in the process of obtaining paperwork to meet "state criteria", many of them really needed the job and many of them were there because they knew someone. Some teachers were sweet and actually cared for kids (only in the baby and toddler building), others were strangely bitter (mostly those in the bigger kids building). Apparently, the director never addressed this along with other issues about this place. The director is a BIG ISSUE on her own. Cleanliness is an issue, attitude is an issue, what kids learn is an issue, compassion is an issue, and the lack of organization is an issue. -My child would continuously get sick and you can see how dirty the place gets without attention. -Some of their attitudes do not match with the place they are trying to run. - The quality of teaching is subpar. Kids are mostly playing or wasting time. Most teachers can't keep up with the numbers assigned per room! When my kid left the school he was behind on skills and as soon as he started another school caught up immediately. - Kids would run amok while lunch time seemed like a scene taken straight out of dog pound feeding time. NO ORGANIZATION whatsoever! My child would be covered in food and nothing seemed to be done to prevent this from happening. Children need guidance, we didn't pay to have our kids be fed like animals. -In too many an occasion, I observed at pick up time children being sprayed on the face with water to "wash off" sweat instead of taking them to a bathroom. -Teachers seem exhausted, can't efficiently communicate with you and when any issues are brought up to the director she's ALWAYS RIGHT and will defy you! Unfortunately, she is and has the typical Miami business owner attitude, RUDE! Like the poster below, no bedside manners at all! She has no tact and has no respect for paying parents. I observed way too many times how parents were treated by this lady and it was reprehensible. By the way, she is never wrong. Never! Many parents would comment on her and many parents still send their kids there knowing how bad the school is because they have no other option; truly sad. Many parents that I know from there have taken or are planning to take the kids out because they have realized their kids have not learned anything valuable for their kindergarten transition. Excellence education? Highly doubt it! I got tired and quietly took my child out; however, I reported the school several times to Children and Families about how irresponsible they were with cleaning supplies chemical use, food practices, sick children policy (which they DO NOT FOLLOW) and cleaning practices. Their lack of organization is fatal and in the compassion department they are just deplorable.I couldn't bare the thought of children being affected by this, I couldn't bare the thought of having my child there. I quickly got him out! In a nutshell,I could write a book on how atrocious this place is. These are your kids, do your research, ask questions and don't let color and stickers swindle you. I do not recommend this establishment at all. read more

My overall experience with this school has been great. My daughter has been going to this school since she was 6 months old and now she is 16 months old and has learned so much from the time she has been here. The teachers are very attentive and my daughter loves them. I would recommend this school to any parent worried about their child starting daycare because they will be in good hands. I know how hard it is to leave your child in the care of someone else but they made the transition a very easy one. read more

We are so RELIEVED that our family kid only has 4 months left as we can't stand the principal here. She is one of the rudest ,crudest administrators we've ever seen. How can someone who has NO bedside manner be working in this profession? Her tone is almost always wildly innapopriate. I'll admit, we like many of the teachers and the school itself seems nice. But,like MANY other parents, we can't wait to de w someone we can actually speak to, who doesn't act like a moron! **5/12/2017-Also, the school has reached out twice and essentually demanded to know who I was. Unfortunately that violates my constitutional rights and would ask "them" to stop harassing me .Furthermore, any opinion I write is my voice supported by the 3rd amendment, and we should all respect each other's voices.I am real and I stand by my opinion. I've been reached out my other parent's applauding my review. To those who agree , speak up. The school needs a new principal , or at least one who is goinf to be polite and put forth values we want the children to exhibit.** read more

My son just completed Kindergarten and is going to 1st grade. Kindergarten was a breeze because of all that he learned at Get Smart. He still talks about his "old school." Thank you again! read more

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By far the best daycare (learning center) in Miami. Best price, great location, incredible staff. My kids have been to Aventura Learning Center, and Cherry Blossom and those places have nothing on Get Smart Kids Academy. Maggie and her staff are incredible professional and kind. My 3 year old daughter loves going to school. As a mommy of two, I highly recommended this daycare. read more

The principal at this school is VERY rude and only cares about money.Has a snobbish attitude all the time selected the wrong career not family friendly at all .The staff is good with the kids and the school is clean .. read more

As a grandfather, I watched my granddaughter learn so much academically in preparation for kindergarten. She even learned to speak Spanish quite well, and we do not speak Spanish at home! I am very impressed. I rate the this school, it's instructors and the director 5 stars. You will be impressed too! read more

My 4 year old boy is in his third year attending GSKA and I also have a 2 year old attending. We are very pleased with this school and we recommend them highly. The teachers are very loving to my kids and both of them actually love going to school. read more

This is a 5-star daycare. My wife and I were looking for a good daycare and visited a few...We were lucky enough to get a space for our 9-month daughter at GSKA. What a blessing. We are young parents and we were quite nervous to put our baby at a daycare for the first time and we find here the best place ever. Our daugther is almost 2 year now and she's doing so well, they learn english, spanish and much more, they do lots of activities. They communicate regularly on the food menus and give a lot of details (breakfast, lunch and snacks menu). It is very well organized. The staff cares a lot and very nice and are so sweet. The playground is great. The whole facility is highly secured with cameras everywhere and locks. The playground is in the back, so no children are exposed. Also,the cost of daycare is also very reasonable, you probably cannot find better (~800$/month) in Miami. You should meet them (Adriana, Kiki, Fernanda, Maria, etc.), I highly recommend this place and we will always be extremely grateful to them. read more

I am grateful and appreciative to have found such a wonderful, nurturing, safe and well run daycare center/school for my baby! The Daily reports furnished and feedback are extremely helpful and exceptionally maintained. I feel positive and secure about the care my child receives daily. My child's teachers and administration are excellent. read more

The teachers and staff have been kind, caring and loving. The school is always clean, and they really teach the infants through play. My daughter has learned so much there. read more

My wife and I have lived in Florida for nearly 30 years. When our children were born, one of the main concerns was how and where they would get a great education. 5 years ago we enrolled our first child at this academy, believe us it is one of the smartest decisions we have ever taken. Our 8 year old is now in 3rd grade and thanks to GSKA, he had an awesome jump start. Our 4 year old daughter is now enrolled, her progress has been unbelievable. The Director and the rest of the staff are very professional, what is most important is that they are very caring and fully engaged in all the children's futures. We live in a very diverse community and this school cares for each child as if their own. The teachers are really genuine and so committed to all they do. We highly recommend this academy for any child. Of course, as a parent do your diligent homework as all parents must. God Bless us all. read more

overpriced for the what you get. the teachers barely speak english and spell words incorrectly on the children's work. For example the teacher wrote "alfabet" and "nomber" on my sons art project. really concerning as a parent read more

I am thrilled with the experience my daughter is getting at Get Smart Kids Academy. I love the nurturing environment and the results of the focused play based learning I see. My 4 year old daughter is writing clearly, knows her colors, numbers, months, days and so much more. The staff is caring and responsive - with teachers taking extra care for example, when I notified them I would be travelling and she might be sad, or I expressed concerns over some of her behaviors. The programming is creative and informative and I couldn't be happier. I'm so glad I found GSKA with an online search. I also appreciated the information provided regarding making a preschool selection, which I've shared with many other parents. Thanks to Maggie and the team for the wonderful work you are doing with our children. read more

I highly recommend this school. One of the best in the area without a doubt.... I visited 6 other Preschools and none were as clean, and professional. My girls are learning so much! read more